Sony SmartWatch 2 Release Date Leaked

Sony officially announced its second attempt at a smartwatch last month, when it unveiled the SmartWatch 2 and promised the device will be available worldwide in September. Now we may have a firm release date for the device, thanks to UK retailer Clove, which notes on its website that the first stock is due on September 9 and that the watch will cost about $150.

Unlike the original Sony SmartWatch, the new version is dust and water-resistant, and the company is calling it “the most advanced smartwatch available.” The device syncs with your Android smartphone to display incoming notifications, take calls, shoot photos and remotely control presentations. It also has apps for mapping, exercise, email, and volume controls for the music on your phone. In total, Sony promises ”over 200 unique apps” and a thriving developer network, though we’ll need to see how many developers are actually on board when it launches.

When it comes to hardware, the SmartWatch 2 comes equipped with a 1.6-inch display, NFC, three to four days of battery life, and is made out of aluminum and plastic. It’s compatible with Android 4.0 and newer and connects to your handset via Bluetooth 3.0.

Sony clearly has a firm lead in the smartwatch market. The only other notable device on the market is Pebble, which got its start on Kickstarter and is now available at Best Buy. Apple is expected to release the long-rumored iWatch, though not until late 2014 according to recent reports, with Samsung and Microsoft rumored to have similar products coming down the pipeline.